Colts face NFL's easiest schedule in 2014

On the surface, the Colts' road to a third consecutive playoff berth isn't marred with winter-induced potholes.

Rather, the 2014 season is paved with the NFL's easiest schedule.

Based on the win-loss records from last season, the Colts' 16 opponents share a .430 winning percentage. Only four teams posted winning records and reached the '13 postseason: Denver (13-3), New England (12-4), Cincinnati (11-5) and Philadelphia (10-6).

Take that for what it's worth, which probably isn't much. The NFL is fertile ground for teams to bounce from putrid to potent in the blink of an eye. What appears to be a cushy agenda in February can easily morph into something more formidable in September.

Having said that, there's no denying the advantageous appearance of the '14 dance card.

It begins with six games inside the AFC South, unquestionably the NFL's worst division in 2013 with a 24-40 record. The Colts regained control of the division by sweeping Houston (2-14), Jacksonville (4-12) and Tennessee (7-9).

No one should expect that threesome to remain dormant – OK, we're losing patience with the Jaguars, who are 6-26 that past two years and haven't had a winning season since 2007 – even though each must address serious quarterback issues. Also, Houston (Bill O'Brien) and Tennessee (Ken Whisenhunt) are following new coaches.

The league's interconference rotational format also has the Colts facing the NFC East. Philly, Dallas, the New York Giants and Washington combined for a 28-36 record, tied with the NFC North for the second-worst divisional record in 2013.

Adding to the cushy nature of the '14 schedule are games with teams holding the first four picks in the May draft: Houston (No. 1), Washington (No. 2), Jacksonville (No. 3) and Cleveland (No. 4). As we all know, teams earn their "lofty'' draft status by testing the patience of their fan base the previous season.

For perspective, the Colts' division brethren are next in line with the easiest schedules: Tennessee at No. 31 (.438), Houston at No. 30 (.441) and the Jaguars at No. 29 (.453).

At the other end of the spectrum are the Oakland Raiders, who face the NFL's toughest schedule (.578), Denver (No. 2 at .570), St. Louis (No. 3 at .564) and San Diego and San Francisco (tied for No. 4 at 563).